Saturday, December 3, 2011

They say the Christmas season is one of music and if you are a music lover or enjoy all kinds of Christmas music like I do, you will enjoy this re-release CD.The Brunson Brothers and their long time friend and fellow musician,Jay Osmond have teamed up for for this incredible Christmas CD, Tis the Season

I found the arrangements of the season's favorite tunes very 'tight' and well written. There is something for everyone on this CD.

Jamie Glazier, one of the country's top studio Guitarist adds his talent to this musical wonderland of Christmas songs as well . He adds a little bit of that up beat, rock and roll feel to the musical experience! I absolutly love the flavor this CD adds to my menu ofChritmas Music!!

If you want to buy a copy of the CD /DVD you can contact Gaynor Brunson at brunsonbrothers.com or order direct through their studio : Brunson Brothers Media Group...801 375-3278

Thursday, September 8, 2011

" And this is according to the prophecy, that they shall be brought to the knowledge of their Redeemer, and their great and true shepherd and be numbered among his sheep"

When I read that, I thought of little almost one year old "Buggie" holding and snuggling with her little lamb blankie. For she, to those of us who know and love her, is a little lamb. She is cherished with whole hearts.

As I saw and felt this image, while reading this verse I felt the desire raise up in me, " I want to be a lamb of God, loved , held and cherished". I want to be counted in the Savior's fold as one of his lambs. For if I have such a love for this little girl and her blanket, how much more perfect love must he have for me....for us.

How much more secure will we feel wrapped up in his blanket, for he is also The Lamb of God.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

This very simple yet, oh so profound statement, came to me while I sat on a bench enjoying the cool shade a tree at Thanksgiving Point Gardens...one of my favorite places.

This summer as I am inching my way to my 50th birthday, I have been fulfilling a list of favorite things (5o of them) to celebrate this mile stone. {Someone once said that 50 is the new 30...haha I wish they would tell my feet that.... :S }anyway this summer I have been racing down the Alpine slide, eating seafood dinners spending hours at the pool and enjoying , when possible, this life I have been given. Why leave it to just one day, right?( next up, the zip line)

Today I decided to treat myself to the Gardens at Thanksgiving Point. Amazing place.!

I went early as to catch the morning breezes and to avoid the crowds. I kicked off my birkenstocks and stepped off the pathway and walked barefoot in the grass..a simple pleasure of mine. The Grass was still cool and damp, it refreshed my soul/sole.

As I wandered quietly through the gardens, stopping to enjoy my favorite venues, I was noticing how the hazy morning sunbeams dusted the plants with light. Beautiful! I went on snapping pictures and relished in this morning all to myself. After about an hour, I decided to sit in a quiet grove and take it all in from a seated point of view, my thoughts went scampering off...

"Ah, if only I could start each day like this, in a huge beautiful garden....of my own" Then, I am afraid to admit, they (thoughts) started to run away . I sat there thinking of all those things I wished I had, all those things I wished I could experience, all those things I denied myself ..etc etc it was like a runaway train. Luckily my thought pattern was brought to an abrupt stop. "Brenda, just enjoy this moment, treat yourself to this moment".

I began to feel rather foolish for spoiling a wonderful morning which I was blessed with. I knew there were others in far away places facing war and hunger and all manner of ick! And I was here in a peaceful garden complaining quietly of things I didn't have or felt worthy of having.

This morning venture was indeed a treat! .

I wondered how many times we/I forgo treating ourselves to happy things. Not feeling deserving, no time, no umpf, life and it's demands dictates that such things are frivolous and selfish. I can't imagine who would want us to feel that way..can you?

But if we don't fill our joy buckets, who will, if we don't make time to nurture ourselves , who will...who said that we need to put ourselves last? Who said we can't treat ourselves every now and then? Who says?

My lesson started with someone speaking to my soul, " It is not a sin to treat yourself or to desire the joyful things of life, things that will gladden the heart." God wants us to be filled, to be a "Full Human Being" ,to reach out to the risk of living with both arms. Embrace the world.'( Morris West)

President Uctdorf, in his general conference address, talked about how we as children of God live below our privileges...now this is not in some commercial, superficial way. But in a "we forget that God has oodles in store for us, let me do this for you , My TREAT: sort of way". We feel like we are not worthy, or need to work hard for it, pay for it, wait until tomorrow for it.... and we stop the hand that wishes to bless.

When you have been asked to a dinner by a friend and they say, "I will get this, my treat" how do you respond? Think about it.

This is about where that pround statement came in ( above mentioned) Treat yourself..don't deny the joy, reach for it, but also treat yourself WELL..with respect, like you would a cherished loved one...and love more..you know that game.."Love you!"..(reply) "LOVE you MORE" Say it in the mirror!

Now that my lesson under the tree was finished and I felt resolved that I would go forward with a new mindset, I sauntered back up the hill, went to the Trellis cafe. I asked for a patio view( outside) and ordered , not the cheapest thing on the menu, but what I desired. I was going to show Heaven in a symbolic and hunger driven way that I was no longer going to deny myself that what brings me joy. I would treat myself as if I were my best friend.

I topped it off with a chocolatesouffle' served with orange anglaise and almonds!

Sitting under my umberella'd table, I said " Brenda, you're one heck of a gal, you deserve it!" lifting my blackberry lemonade, "Happy Birthday and thanks for the Treat!"

Saturday, July 30, 2011

This past week, my eyes have looked like crimson almonds,red and puffy as they have wept me through 4 goodbyes.Of all the mortal experiences, goodbyes are my least favorite. What is it about this experience that turns our soul inside out and leaves us with a hollow void, why is that? Why do we feel that wrenching deep down? why can't we just say: " K, love ya, see ya, bye" and be done with it?But no, our hearts go into melt down, our eyes well up in tears, our voices crack and words can't seem to vocalize our anguish.

Tender thoughts of compassion, at the time, seem like a band-aid on a broken leg...we are in the middle of suffering!Who voted to put this stinking venture on our life's agenda? I say we take it off and not have to let go of loved ones, keep them close and treasure them with every breath we have.But, pause I must, as I remember now, that I was one who voted for this experience.

I voted to know what it felt like to sky dive off into the blue abyss of sorrow, hike the mountains of Joy, float in a river of tears and be sky rocketed into clear skies of light... My "travel agent" scheduled it all in ....and now, here I am in the middle of this journey with hands on my face thinking, "oy! what did I get myself into?"Life. I got myself into life, all of it. Highs, lows ,dark , light.....

....as I think now of these these loved ones, I am hearing in the back of my mind and Beatles tune..."You say Good bye and I say Hello..."I am looking forward to the reuniting "Hello , Hello!...no more goodbyes, cuz we'll say Hello"

Saturday, June 25, 2011

I am sure at first glance this title may make some people twinge. But I assure you, it's not all what you may think it is.As in years past, after I take an evening walk around the Temple grounds, I end my exercise by pulling off the shoes and socks and walk barefoot through the cool grass. That simple act is more rejuvenating than you know.I find a quiet spot, there inside the gates of the Temple, and for a the lack of a more graceful word, plunk myself down on the grass, stretch and then settle back into the cool blades of green.

There with my face turned Heavenward, I lay there naked, vulnerable and without any earthly trappings before God.I am stripped of all things . H e sees me as I am, without the spiritual "spanks" holding me in , without a moo-moo to hide behind or without any tinkling jewels and fine twine- linens( not that I wear it to exercise..but my New balance running shoes are rather nifty) that would try to place me above another. I am there, Me, without pretenses,he sees and knows me inside out and upside down. I can not hide my heart or my soul. And so I am naked before Him.In those vulnerable moments , I am taught in quiet and profound ways.I am reminded how much He loves me. I am reminded how much I am truly blessed.I am open to him, no fig leaf or bush or cloth to hide my nakedness. I am hoping to be as a child who is free and shameless, innocent and teachable...and not hide my nakedness/vulnerability before God.

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

As I have had a frustrating few weeks with an internet provider...or should I say the lack of a internet provider..( loss or skittish connection) I can not help but think back when this would never had been an issue. Communication ,even 10 years ago was so different, 20 years ago this whole web and cyber chat was not even on our radar for the most part. We used a phone, attached to a wall...or the base was attached to the wall. If we went out, no one tracked us down by phone, we didn't get emails, or texts, We spoke face to face or left a meaagae or called back and that was that. I remember when even most homes had no "answering service" of any kind.Now we have become so dependant on this technology.So, since I too am caught into to this cyber web, I have had to schlep across the way to a beloved sister and borrow her computer to communicate with the world.

As I have done so, a lesson was learned. One form of (if not the most important) communication has never been disconnected.Prayer. One can always connect with God, he never puts us on hold, puts us on a machine, and we are always in our calling range..no roaming fees . So tonight as I look at my blank computer, yet again, I will know when cyber space is shut down, the heavens are always connected!

Thursday, June 2, 2011

The Place of Knowing is where we all want tobe, a place of answers, peace, understanding, enlightenment.In Emma Lou Thayne's new release, The Place of Knowing, her life and near death experiences will shepherd you, the reader, closer to that goal.

Emma Lou Thayne discovered her love and gift for writing in the 4th grade. After producing a poem as part of an assignment to be read in class, her teacher question the integrity of the poem stating it was too good to have been written by Emma Lou. Disappointed by her teacher's doubting words,but not discouraged, Emma Lou( Warner) Thayne continued to write her way into the realms of Literary Royalty.

Sitting in the presence of such a beloved author, poet and public speaker I, of course, was in awe!The magnitude of this opportunity did not slip past me. But I was delightfully put at ease by Sister Thyane's warm and engaging conversation, I felt her a true kindred spirit!

I believe , as a reader of her book, ( The Place of Knowing) you will find that same engaging conversation that will warm and touch your soul.

I invite you all to take the journey and discover your place of knowing with Emma Lou Thayne'snewest Book.

* in depth interview details will be on my blog next week.....something to look forward to .

Saturday, May 28, 2011

As a foot zone therapist I have had some remarkable experiences with clients. As I work thru the points on their feet, finding and helping to relieve the blockages caused by physical or emotional stresses. I have witnessed the healthy shifts that can happen.The other day I was zoning a client and working on the lung point, which caused a very sudden and 'thrashing in the chair' response. I looked at the client with question in my eyes..."ok, I admit, the client said, I started smoking again..."The client has been under some serious stress and reverted back to an old habit of coping. Not the best habit, but one that was familiar. We talked about it and checked for a healthier way to cope rather than to fill the lungs and body with poison.

Sadly, a great many of society have bought into the lie that one needs a substance to cope. There are many reasons as to why others gravitate to this destructive venue . But on the up side, there are many ways to help wean off these vices and reclaim inner strength .

God desires for us to stand in our truth and to be strong. He has given us helps and guides and means to overcome.

There are opposing forces who would have us defeated. Weak, blocked, numb.

It's time to reclaim ourselves and be free. Life, for the most part, is good! Hard times come to all of us , but they need not own us. We need not be a slave to them . We can turn within for strength and reach above into the heavens for support and leave the additive pseudo coping devices behind.

Sunday, May 22, 2011

In the Movie, Mary Poppins, the magical nanny reminds Jane and Michael of this very concept. Very wise words when pondered.This past week I learned the very lesson with a dozen...well, 2 dozen cupcakes.I had volunteered to donate cupcakes for the young women of my ward (church) as a fund raiser for camp. I had in my mind's eye the kind of cupcakes I would make. Being trained as a professional cake decorator, I knew I could mimic the popular style of cupcake that brings in the Big Bucks , ....you know..those flavored filled frosting piled to the roof kind...?So with bowl and beaters and assorted ingredients I set out to fulfill my baking obligation.

Sadly or I should say horrifically as I attempted to frost the cupcakes with the mile high swirl, something kept going terribly wrong. There was no earthly reason these should not be turning out. Very frustrated and miffed. I called it a night and went to bed.As I was saying my prayers and thinking about the sticky mess I left in the kitchen, the thought came in very clear and i understood the lesson immediately ."Brenda those cupcakes ( the ones piled high with frosting that sell like crazy in sweet shoppes) are all about over indulgence. These cupcakes ( the ones I am to make) are not about that, they are about service." Wow, how true...God sees the folly of men and their addiction to more, even in a cupcake. As I thought about it and concluded to follow that gentle reminder that enough is as good as a feast, fun cupcakes don't have to be piled high with frosting to bring in the big bucks for a fundraiser. A fun simple design popped into my head and I drifted off into peaceful sleep.

How true , though, the cupcakes that are so popular are about over indulging, just like the super sized fries, drinks and other assorted foods purchased at drive thru windows. Just like bigger better computers, phones and piles of shoes.

Why do we feel we need more than we we really do? Are we afraid if we don't get the two years supply of frosting today on this one cupcake , we will never get it? If I don't eat all these fries today we will just shrink up and die? .....well chances are you may, but not from the the lack of super sized french fries.. what is driving this frenzy?

When did society decided enough wasn't?

I don't know, but if God sees our folly in a seemingly small thing as a cupcake, maybe we need to rethink this before everything is taken and we learn the hard way, that enough is as good as a feast.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

As I sat on the grassy hill after my walk, thinking about the upcoming wellness seminar "For the Beauty of The Earth,( May 21) I remembered as a kid I use to eat grass. Well, not the whole blade, but the root. My freinds and I would gently pull a blade of grass up from the ground ,being careful not to tear it in the process and at the end of the blade was a 1/2 inch section of milky white fiber holding in a yellow root. We would open that portion and eat the sweet root. I have no idea why or how that all started, maybe instinct as our body was looking for vitamin A..?who knows.

As I remember my grazing days, I pondered on all the vitamin rich foods that come from the earth,healthy happy foods , now look how many people are choosing to eat more porcessed foods instead. Quick, easy and empty. Then pop a vitamin pill for health's sake.No wonder we have a health crisis in this generation. Not only are we choosing poorly when it comes to what we injest, but we have conjured up a fear of being outside, on the grass, in the sunshine.How many kids today sit outside with friends just talking and laughing and pulling grass to chew on or searching for little "cheesies to eat( the little green cheese shaped plant growing at the the edge of the lawn) .True,now days we have overused the pesticides on front lawns making a grass chewing experince a little more risky, but that aside, I realized that the population as a whole has pulled away from Grass roots, Simple living. A time when talking face to face was the norm , eating fresh food from a garden not microwaving a depleted food source from a box was the norm, and sitting/playing in the fresh air untethered to an electronic devise was the prefered place to be.

So I hope that next time you find your self outside, find a lush patch of grass to sit on. And if you choose not to search for the roots to chew, maybe you can search for roots to return to.

Thursday, May 5, 2011

As I tip-toed through the tulips at the annual Thanksgiving Point tulip fest, I couldn't help but feel that Mother Earth had donned a fine flowered hat for Mothers Day. She, of course, being the ultimate Mother that has nutured every living soul, and desreves a the colorful spray of blooms.

At every turn and bend in the faux cobble stoned walk, my breath was taken with the variety and pallet of peddles. The sweet fragrence was lite in the breeze. The sun was warm, the little stream gurgled. It was a welcomed sensory overload . This is Spring at it's best.

I continued my walk, snapping pictures and watching the nature loving people wander through each venue. I was amused at their variety,color and shapes as well. As I saunterd down in to a small valley of grass, my thoughts were interupted and my attention was quickly drawn to a small grove. Out behind a walkway of budding bushes and pansies, a twirling pink skirt danced into my view. There in the sunlight, framed in garden splender was the true Blossom of Spring. A child. Free and uninhibited by the world joyfully dancing and twirling in the tulips. She and her fragrance of innocence, her promise of new life, I thought, is truly the flower that adorns our Mother's hat. Happy Mothers Day!

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Yesterday as I mowed the grass for my aging parents, my first thought was this would serve as a work out for me. The Yard is bumpy caused by root systems from trees and tunnels from worms. Controlling a mower over such terrain truly gives the arms wrists and hands a work out.

My second thought was, if everyone lent themselves to more manual- physical service to others i.e. yard work, walking the dog for someone house bound etc, we wouldn't need to go to a gym to work out our bodies and keep them in shape.

Finally as I jostled the mower across the thick grass I felt gratitude that I lived in a place where there was space/land for yards and gardens of our own, a place to connect with Mother Earth daily, unlike those poor folk in New York City who live in concrete and steel high rises.

They seldom get to connect to Mother Earth in everyday ways. I really don't see them rotating the schedule to mow patches of Central Park or weed or plant the gardens there. Unlike Europe where one sees the abundance of window boxes on high rises, a small box of dirt and plants in which to connect to another living thing besides a house cat. I was curious how those in cities get grounded... there is something healing about working with the land , walking in the grass, and living in spaces of green. How might their lives be different if they had the blessing of mowing the grass or raking the leaves?

Monday, May 2, 2011

I want to invite you to join in Dr. Nelson's webinar May 8. www.healerslibray.com This man is incredible! He truly is a God send to the world in helping us all release trapped emotions that affect our lives, thought processes and attitudes. It is called the Emotion Code. I have been using this technique for a few years, and I have seen the life changing results!!!

Sunday, May 1, 2011

I am excited for the wellness Seminar May 21. www.may21seminar@blogspot.com I love it when Heaven does all the micro-manging in helping things come together! I am really excited to have Ryan Higbee as one of the Presenters! He is a wellspring of fabulous and helpful information. I know everyone who attends will greatly benefit from what he will teach